Groundswell NW News

Winter is often a time to reflect and recommit yourself to neighborhood issues that matter. In addition to several park & open space clean up parties, on January 17, 2018 Groundswell NW co-sponsored the 'Missing Link: New Year, New Mayor, New Trail' event at Peddler Brewing. Over 160 trail supporters came out on a cold, rainy night to send our new Mayor Jenny Durkan a strong message that there is strong community support to complete the Burke Gilman Trail. This week's welcome Hearing Examiner decision confirming the adequacy of the Missing Link Environmental Impact Statement clears the way to proceed with final design and construction, a move we urge the Mayor to make.

On January 30, 2018, several local non-profit organizations, including Groundswell NW, invited the public to 'Get Plugged Into Ballard' an informational event hosted at Stoup Brewing. We met several new neighbors and look forward to including them in some spring projects.

Another announcement is the start of construction on Gemenskap Park last month. This park is the culmination of over 12 years of community involvement and persistence. Thank-you to many neighbors in the East Ballard Community who have supported this project. If you’re new to the neighborhood and want to learn more about this park CLICK HERE.

Remember to make your voice heard by February 2, 2018 in the 'Your Voice, Your Choice-Seattle Parks and Streets Program!

2018 brings some important changes to Groundswell NW's leadership. First, Dawn Hemminger is stepping down as President after serving an extra year following her 2-year term. Prior to serving as President, Dawn served as Treasurer for several years in addition to being a leader of East Ballard Community Council and the Gemenskap Park project on 14th Ave NW, earning several times over her Local Hero recognition.

We are profoundly grateful for Dawn's immense contributions to Groundswell NW and the community over the years. We appreciate that she will continue to be involved in community projects and as an adviser to the Groundswell board.

The Groundswell board has appointed an interim Executive Committee to provide leadership as we explore leadership and organizational options going forward. Renee Dagseth will serve as Executive Director for Administration and Operations. Former president Dave Boyd will serve as Executive Director for Strategic Planning. Jan Satterthwaite will transition from Secretary to Executive Director for Communications. Dennis Galvin will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Devon Shannon will serve as Secretary during this interim period.

Our important work empowering NW Seattle communities to create, steward and activate neighborhood open spaces and habitat will continue as we look forward to new challenges and opportunities in 2018.

November brought some stormy weather along with beautiful autumn days this year. Northwest Seattle friends and neighbors came out to perform maintenance on Ballard Corners, 14th Avenue (future Gemenskap Park), Carkeek, Golden Gardens and many other parks - thank you! This is a perfect time of year to see local wildlife preparing for winter months while enjoying remaining color in the landscape. Look for additional opportunities to get out in the coming winter months by visiting our event calendar or Facebook page.

Also in the news, Seattle City Light held two public meetings in November to address the disposition of seven City Light substations in our area. Extensive public comments were received at the meetings, including those in support of retaining these parcels as open space or parks. Groundswell NW continues to follow the progress of the substations, advocating on behalf of retaining these valuable spaces for public use, and responding to opportunities for public input. Click here to view our recent comment and analysis letter.

Groundswell NW and the broader Ballard / Crown Hill community have identified unused City Light substations as opportunities for community use for over 20 years. Now Seattle City Light has begun the process to sell seven NW Seattle substation properties (more info at www.seattle.gov/light/surplus).

Groundswell NW, the Seattle Green Spaces Coalition and Sunset Hill Community Association co-sponsored a community meeting on October 18 to hear from City Light about their plans and let them know about neighborhood concerns and goals (see video of the meeting here). Councilmember Mike O'Brien and representatives from Seattle Parks and Department of Neighborhoods also participated.

City Light will hold a community information meeting at 7pm on Monday November 6 and a public hearing at 7pm on Thursday November 16, both at the Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 NW 65th St. If you are interested in community use for any of these properties, please attend and spread the word! If you are unable to attend either of these events, then please consider providing your comments to SCL_RealProperty@seattle.gov before the Nov 17 deadline.

We had a great turnout for our booth at the Sustainable Ballard Festival this year. The DIY Habitat House hands-on activity was a huge hit! Couldn’t make it to our booth? Read about it here and click here for instructions on making one yourself.

Seattle City Light proposes to sell some of its surplus substation parcels in Northwest Seattle. Some of these parcels could become much needed parks and open space. Join Groundswell NW and the Sunset Hill Community Association for a City Light presentation on the proposal, Oct 18, 7 PM, 3003 NW 66th St. Here's a link to the City's page, www.seattle.gov/light/surplus , and the list of proposed sites in NW Seattle: